From budget bunkhouses to grand halls – there’s plenty of places in Northumberland that cater for large groups.
Northumberland us always a popular choice for groups. Its jam packed with history, and castles include Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle – the latter of which also boasts an impressive range of gardens. For groups who like their chills, there’s also Chillingham Castle – it’s reportedly the one of the most haunted castles in England.
But days spent sightseeing in gardens, avoiding ghosts or exploring castles are bound to take their toll which is why we’ve pulled together some of the best group accommodation to wind down at.
Guyzance Hall, Morpeth
A group of up to 30 can stay at Guyzance Hall in Morpeth. The 350 acre estate boasts a newly refurbished kitchen, an oak panelled dining room with two tables seating up to 30, a drawing room, games room, and library, and outdoor facilities such as fishing lakes and a tennis court. Groups will find plenty of things to see and do in Morpeth, such as Wallington Hall, Morpeth Bagpipe Museum and Stanton Hall Gardens and Nursery.
Tarset Tor Bunkhouse and Bothies, Kielder Forest
Groups of up to 36 can choose from the eco-friendly bunkhouse or bothies (wooden holiday homes) at this location. The Bunkhouse is ideal to be used as a social space for larger groups and offers cooking, eating, showering and lounge facilities. The Bothy homes, on the other hand, are in a more private setting and include an open-plan living space with a kitchen and dining area that seats ten. On site, there’s also a barbecue and fire pit, cycle store and bike wash, pool table, sauna, private woodland bar and a bird hide. Kielder Forest is great for groups who have an interest in the outdoors as activities include salmon fishing, canoeing, golfing, clay pigeon shooting and star gazing.
Spidlestone Mill, Bamburgh
Up to 36 can sleep at these holiday apartments near Berwick Upon Tweed. Each separate apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and sitting room and there’s also free Wi-Fi, and underfloor heating.
Millkeepers Cottage has a log burning stove, and groups can also have a caterer come in to cook for them. There’s plenty to do and see in Bamburgh, including Bamburgh Castle and the Grace Darling Museum.
The Bunkhouse, Springhill Farm
The Bunkhouse features views of the Farne Islands and Cheviot Hills. The Bunkhouse can sleep up to 32 and offers eight rooms, each with two singles and one bunk bed. Each room includes en suite shower facilities, and groups will also find free Wi-Fi, a large communal sitting room and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, terrace and BBQ area with seating and secure bike storage. Additional budget accommodation can also be booked nearby at the farm’s wigwams, offering a total of 57 beds.
Saughy Rigg Farm, Haltwhistle
Groups can get back to basics with a stay at Saughy Rigg Farm, a 1760s stone farm house, close to both Newcastle upon Tyne. The farm sleeps up to 30 in a mixture of double, twin and family rooms and also offers a communal space with a conservatory dining room for up to 40. There’s also a lounge on site with a separate TV and games room, and the farm sits directly opposite the highest point of Hadrian’s Wall.
